Brand Licensing Europe Announces Location-Based Experience Trail and Themed Sessions

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) will host a new location-based experience (LBE) trail at this year’s event, which takes place Oct. 4-6 at ExCeL, London. Including the “Peppa Pig Afternoon Bus Tour,” in collaboration with Brigit’s Bakery, and the “Tiger Shark” Hot Wheels Monster Truck, visitors will be able to get fully immersed in interactive features across the show floor. 

The LBE trail will include the following:   

“Peppa Pig Afternoon Bus Tour,” in collaboration with Brigit’s Bakery, located at stand D205

In collaboration with Hasbro/Entertainment One’s “Peppa Pig,” Brigit’s Bakery is creating the “Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour” using the iconic 1960 Routemaster Bus. Visitors can visit the actual bus and talk to the Brigit’s Bakery team about exactly what was involved in bringing this experience to life.   

The “Terminator” Skynet bar, at stand C141

Step into a dystopian future where machines rule the world, and humans fight for survival at the ultimate “Terminator” Skynet Bar experience. Located in the heart of BLE’s show floor, visitors can immerse themselves straight into the post-apocalyptic universe of the "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

“Tiger Shark” Hot Wheels Monster Truck, at stand E140 

Coming in at almost three meters high, this is a rare opportunity to see the truck up close and personal as it prepares to take part in the recently announced Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party taking place around the world in 2024 and organized by Family Entertainment Live and Mattel. 

Peppa’s Party Café, at stand B211

Come and celebrate in Peppa’s Party Café open throughout all three days of the show. Eat, drink and experience the world of Peppa and friends – there are plenty of opportunities for selfies.    

The Arcade, at stand E160 

Step into a world of pixelated nostalgia at The Arcade, a retro arcade zone on the show floor. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the spirit of the golden age of gaming as they venture through rows of classic arcade games. Unleash your inner child and rediscover the joy of simple yet exhilarating gameplay.   

  Pac-Man Arcade at Licensing Expo.

Color-In-Nature with The Natural History Museum, at stand B272

With an abundance of incredible species from the natural world just waiting to be brought to life, visitors can retreat from the event hustle and bustle and pick up a pen and get creative with the Natural History Museum’s coloring-in wall. 

The VR Lab, at stand D244

Where reality blurs and imagination reigns supreme. It’s not just an experience; it’s a virtual adventure waiting to be explored. Attendees can immerse themselves in the future of technology and try their hand at VR games and challenges.    

Other activations include:

“LBE is a huge and growing trend and one that has the potential to affect everyone in the most positive ways,” says Ella Haynes, event director, BLE. “It’s also a category that embraces brands, designers, manufacturers and retailers – the entire brand licensing ecosphere. That’s why we wanted to create experiences at BLE that would let people enjoy LBE first-hand and be inspired by the people who have experienced success.” 

“We have a trail of activations on the show floor, our keynote from Hasbro and The Path Entertainment Group, our trend sessions and masterclass and much more. I know everyone’s BLE calendars are bursting with meetings, but I encourage you to carve out a little time to learn about the opportunities in LBE and how they can positively impact your business.”  

Speaker sessions on LBE include: 

Wednesday, Oct. 4 

12:30-1:15 p.m. – Passing GO: Bringing the World’s Biggest Board Game to Life    

Hasbro and The Path Entertainment Group will explore the creative pursuit, potential and problem-solving required to turn Monopoly into one of the most talked-about activations on the experience market today.    

2-2:30 p.m. – Location-Based Experience Trends  

LBE is a $3.29 billion market expected to grow 30% by 2030. The experience economy is increasingly important to licensors and brand owners to create creative experiences for fans and customers to engage with their brands in new and exciting ways. Find out the key trends impacting LBE in this session from a brand perspective:   

Thursday, Oct. 5 

2-2:45 p.m. - LBE: How to Master the Experience Economy  

Location-based experience has created a new layer of engagement for fans and families worldwide, but how can brands navigate the market, find the right format to maintain authenticity and work with best-in-class partners? License Global will speak with experts from across the market to show how shared experiences can become lifelong memories.    

The BLE 2023 agenda is now complete with speakers and participants. All sessions are free to attend and focus on the trends defining brand licensing, extensions and collaborations with sector-specific sessions covering gaming, location-based experiences, fashion, food and beverage, anime and animation. Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.   

See the full Brand Licensing Europe 2023 content agenda. 

Register for Brand Licensing Europe 2023.